A beautiful mishap

71. Insult

Ahaan has been called and informed to come to school, he had no idea why they called him, but he was damn nervous, his heart was racing he knew something was not right, this was the first time he has been called from zara's school saying that they want to discuss about zara's misbehaviour, previously he used to visit school daily for umer's mischief and he has to face new complaints every day but zara didn't gave a single change that anyone could complain about her, she was the perfect student.

As he entered in principal's office he was met with a sight that made his heart skipped a beat. Zara was standing in a corner, her body was shaking uncontrollably, her whole face was deep crimson red, she was controlling hard to hold back tears, her chest was raising and falling in an irregular rhythm indicating that she is struggling to breath.

Ahaan's instincts kicked in, and he immediately recognized the signs of a panic attack. He had seen Zara like this before on the day when umer had slapped her and it broke his heart to see her so vulnerable again.

"Zara beta kya hua?" Ahaan quickly moved towards her.

"Mr. Malik aap?" The principal stood up from his chair. It was clear that he had not made the connection between Zara and Ahaan earlier. Now, he looked like he had been caught off guard, realizing too late that Zara was the sister of one of the most influential and respected men in the country.

"I am her guardian, kyu bulaya hai aapne mujhe!" Ahaan asked.

"Please have a seat, let's discuss the matter" The principal said.

Ahaan sat down, but his eyes remained fixed on Zara. He could see the desperation in her eyes, the way she was struggling to hold back her emotions. He knew that look, that feeling. He knew she was craving his comfort, his reassurance. She wanted to hug him, to cry her heart out in his arms. Ahaan's heart went out to her. He knew that if he didn't let her release her emotions, she might have a panic attack.

The principal explained whole situation to Ahaan how she has been caught with chit. Ahaan's eyes widened in anger, his gaze went towards zara who was still trembling in corner.

"Nahi bhaiya aisa..!" Zara managed few words to whisper her voice didn't even reach them but Ahaan's sharp ears picked up the words.

"You don't need to explain yourself!" Ahaan stopped her, her eyes widened thinking Ahaan might also not believe her but how is this possible how Ahaan could believe something rubbish about his child.

"Do you have any Idea what you are speaking, I respect you but I won't tolerate anyone pointing finger on my sister's character. She's a bright and honest student, and I won't let anyone tarnish her reputation." Ahaan shifted his gaze towards the principal.

"Mr. Malik I know aap bohut bade aadmi hai but that doesn't mean we'll encourage cheating in our school. We have to maintain our standards, and if your sister has broken the rules, she'll have to face the consequences." The principal stood on his grounds.

"I'm warning you, sir. Don't make any accusations against my sister without solid proof. I won't hesitate to take action if I find out that she's been falsely accused." Ahaan raised his voice.

"Kya proof hai ki yeh chit meri bhen ki hai?" Ahaan asked in a dangerous tone

"Invigilator ne khud dekha hai, yeh chit zara ki hai" Ahaan cut him off

"Zara tell me the truth, yeh chit aapki hai?"   He tried to ask gently, but his anger and frustration made his voice rough and gruff.

Zara flinched, her heart beat increased more, she instantly shook her head with heavy breath, her eyes became pool of tears.

"Na..nahi bhaiya....I swear!" She stammered.

"Meri bhen bhi keh rahi ki yeh iski nahi hai ab bataein kispar believe karenge aap, just because yeh student hai toh aapke paas koi right nahi hai ke isey jhuta aur invigilator ko sacha hone ka certificate dein, mai yeh baat likh kar desakta hu meri bhen jhoot nahi bol rahi!" Ahaan's face was red with rage.